She stared at his lips, firm and full and appealing. She set her palm on his jaw, loving the feel of his stubble under her fingertips. “Risk, this isn’t for show, is it?”
He paused a second, thoughtful. “Feels pretty damn real to me.” And then his mouth was on hers, taking away all doubt, all questions. He kissed her until she was breathless, her mouth ravaged, her body beginning to burn.
“Invite me in,” he said between kisses.
“G-good idea.”
As soon as the door was closed behind them, Risk pulled her sweater down her arms, taking it off and flinging it on the floor. Their lips melded together in another searing kiss. Breathing was hard, thinking impossible.
It was real this time. It felt right. “Bedroom,” she murmured.
“Oh yeah.” He whipped off his jacket and lifted her up, his arms strong and powerful underneath her as he carried her to the bed.
As he lowered her down, her feet hit the floor gently. Moonlight poured into the window, illuminating the hungry look in his eyes, the promise in his expression.
He touched her face, kissed her mouth and then whispered in her ear, “You’re amazing, April.”
Destiny seemed to keep bringing them together. The third time had to be the charm, because she certainly felt charmed tonight. She also felt a whole lot of things she didn’t want to name.
Risk kissed her throat, trailing his lips farther down to nibble on her shoulders. His hands came around her back, and with sure, steady fingers he unzipped her dress. Cool air hit her for a second, until Risk’s hands were on her again, warming her skin as he rubbed her back, his fingertips soothing her flesh.
She grabbed at his shirt and unbuttoned it, ready to get her hands on his granite chest. As she laid her palms there, raw heat seeped out, and a deep, appreciative groan rose from his throat.
“I love when you touch me,” he whispered, right before his lips covered hers again.
“I love touching you,” she whispered back.
Another groan escaped his throat, and then they were reaching for each other, removing clothes in a frenzy, his boots, her heels, his shirt, her dress. When April was down to her lacy black bra and panties, Risk stood back, admiring her. “You’re perfect,” he said, cupping her full breasts, kissing each one. Then he trailed his hands to the curve of her waist. “Just right here, too,” he said, her skin heating under his palms. He caressed her hips, and her skin prickled under his touch. “These hips are sexy,” he said. “Did you know that?”
She shook her head. She’d come to grips with her body and was no longer ashamed of her size, but no one had ever made her feel like this—like she was perfect and undeniably sexy—the way Risk was doing now.
He wrapped his hands around her hips to flatten his palms on her butt. Bringing her closer, he knelt down in front of her and removed her panties. Then he took her into his mouth, tightening his hold on her and using his tongue to make her wild. She whimpered as he stroked her over and over, the sensations hot and electric like tiny bolts of lightning. Out of her mind with pleasure, she clasped Risk’s shoulders and hung on. And then she felt a pull, an internal magnet that took hold and wouldn’t let go.
She moaned and Risk was there, keeping pace, bringing her higher and higher. When she finally broke apart, a shudder of pleasure racked her body. Trembling, she moaned and Risk rose then, bringing his mouth to hers, kissing her gently until her body calmed.
Then he lowered her onto her bed, took off his pants and joined her.
She wanted more of him, in the worst way. She brushed her mouth over his, relishing his firm lips, feeling his muscles tightening up, his body growing hard. There was a difference in him tonight, a look of fearless giving in his deep-set dark eyes she hadn’t seen before. She wasn’t imagining it—it was real this time.
And when their bodies merged, a sensual joining that made him close his eyes and grunt in pleasure, April gave him every bit of herself, leaving nothing back, kissing, caressing and loving him with a fierceness that came straight from her heart.
It was almost too powerful, too beautiful, too...much.
She came apart first, her body in glorious tatters once again. Her breaths came hard and fast and then Risk covered her mouth, kissed her again as he moved inside her. He held her arms above her head, covering her body, their skin pressed together, hot and sweaty.
“Oh man, sweetheart,” he muttered through gritted teeth as he towered above her.
And found his way home.
* * *
April opened her eyes, her body easing into the morning. She felt languid and delicious waking up after an amazing night with Risk. She rolled over on her side, ready to cuddle, but he wasn’t there. His warm rock-hard body she’d loved during the night was gone. She was hit with a momentary flash of déjà vu.
She rose from the bed, touching her feet to the floor, looking around for a note or some sign of him. All of his clothes were gone, too. Her joy immediately evaporated. That horrible feeling of abandonment seeped in again. She hated the feeling, hated thinking she wasn’t worthy and feeling unlovable.
This wouldn’t be the first time Risk had left her.
Damn you, Risk.
“Good mornin’. I see Sleeping Beauty has finally woken up.” Risk strode into the bedroom, charming her with a smile. He walked right over to her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. His appearance, that one kiss, woke her out of her misgivings. Risk was hardly a prince, but he was here. He hadn’t deserted her again, and her relief overwhelmed her.
“Good morning back at ya.”
Risk had showered; his hair was still damp and pushed away from his face. He smelled of her lavender soap and was wearing the clothes from last night.
“I, uh, guess I overslept.”
“You deserved to. I kept you up late last night,” he rasped.
“Yes, I remember.” It would be hard to forget all the sensations she’d felt last night.
“April, you’re good for me,” he said, taking her into his arms. He held her tight, kissing the side of her cheek, gently rocking her back and forth.
God, she felt safe and cared for in his arms, and it worried her a bit. She still didn’t fully trust him; if she did, she wouldn’t have thought the worst this morning when she’d woken up to an empty bed.
“I hope you don’t mind, I used your shower.”
“Oh no. Not at all. Sorry I slept so late.”
“I’m only glad you didn’t wake up and think I ran out on you,” he said.
When she didn’t answer, he added, “Or did you?”
“I, uh, didn’t have time to think. I was just getting up when you walked in.” It was only partly a lie.
Risk gave her a nod.
“Well, if you still want to get an early start, we’d better get moving. I’ve got to stop by the office for a change of clothes.”
Early start? Oh, right. She’d been so keyed into Risk, she almost forgot. “Yes, let me make us a quick breakfast, get dressed and then we’ll drive out to the lodge.”
“I’ve got breakfast covered,” he said. “That’s if you don’t mind hard-boiled eggs, toast and juice?”
Her mouth dropped open. “You did all that?”
“It’s hardly a culinary marvel, but yeah. I cooked.”
She smiled. “Okay, then. Let’s try out your meal, Chef Boone.”
He took her hand and led her to the kitchen. But before they returned to the lodge, she had to get something off her chest first, something he’d accused her of doing that still ate away at her to this day.
She looked him square in the eye, determined to get her point across. “Just for the record, Risk, I’m asking you to keep what happened between us last night and your thoughts about the lodge separate. One has nothing to do with the other. Our deal was for you to give me your honest, objective op
inion. That’s all I’m asking.”
Risk squeezed her hand. “I will. I promise.”
She nodded. “Thank you. It matters to me that you know that. We both made mistakes, and hopefully we can put that behind us now.”
“Yeah, I like the sound of that.”
Ten
The lodge looked fabulous. The grounds were groomed, and a new coat of paint gave curb appeal a whole new meaning. April was proud of the mini renovations done to the property. But she wasn’t the one who had to like it. Risk was. She gauged his reaction as he exited the car and opened the door for her.
He scanned the grounds with a thoughtful eye. “This place looks different in the daylight.”
“It does,” she agreed. “There’s more to do out here, of course, but take a look around and see the potential. We can discuss anything you’d like.”
She led him around back and showed him the view of Canyon Lake. It was a brisk but beautiful day, sunlight caressing the blue waters off in the distance. Just outside the dining area, café tables were set on the decking overlooking the lake, perfect for a morning breakfast and lunch, or a sunset dinner during the summer months.
“Canyon Lake is great for boating and fishing, and the area directly in front of us is designated for swimming. There’s a slide that drops you ten feet out into the water. It’s in bad shape but wouldn’t cost much to replace,” she said.
Risk was quiet, taking it all in. And then as they walked back around, he spent some time looking over the stables before he stopped at the woodshed and looked at the trees nearby. “One of those suckers nailed me,” he said.
“I know. I never should’ve let you go get the wood.”
“You had no choice,” he said, puffing out his chest. “I wasn’t going to let both of us freeze to death. Come on. Let’s go inside.”
April held her breath. She was super nervous about him seeing her vision for the place. As they entered the lobby area, Risk took a long look around, his gaze staying on the pieces she’d brought from her apartment. Furniture had been moved around. There were pictures on the walls.
“I see your influence here, April. You made the lodge homey, yet modern. Sort of like your own place.”
“You noticed.”
“Yeah. I never saw this place with sunlight streaming in.”
“It’s cheerful, isn’t it? I had the wood beams conditioned.”
Risk looked up and nodded. “Okay.”
He walked around, testing the banister leading to the second story. He viewed the photos on the wall more closely and then gazed at the round rock fireplace that was the focal point of the room.
He made his way to the kitchen, and April’s nerves squeezed tight. “We did some minor renovations here.”
“You had the cabinets painted. They look good,” he said. “And the appliances?”
“All in working order.”
“The tiles are still chipped.”
“The new owner can have his choice of new countertops.”
He gave a quick nod. “What else do you have to show me?”
“The dining room and the master suite, down here. And then the upstairs.”
She could tell Risk was impressed at how the dining room looked straight out onto Canyon Lake. The tables had vases full of flowers, and a few were set with dishes and cutlery. “You can almost see the guests dining here, enjoying the lake view.”
Again, Risk only nodded.
When they walked into the master suite, Risk studied it thoroughly, glancing at the champagne and crystal flutes she’d had Clovie set on the dresser. It was too personal, too intimate, and she wished she hadn’t taken that extra step when staging the room.
“Your vision,” Risk whispered.
“It’s just a suggestion on how...or rather... This is a special room,” she said finally.
Risk looked at her and smiled. “I think so, too.”
He took her hand and tugged her along. “Show me more.”
They climbed the stairs. “How’s the roof holding up?” he asked.
“We made minor repairs, but it will eventually need a new one. I can’t do much about that.”
As they reached the top of the stairs, she showed him each room, one by one, unable to keep the pride from her voice. “I really loved figuring out how to fix these rooms.”
“You did this?” he asked.
“Well, I didn’t physically paint them or remove pieces that didn’t work. I gave the workmen those tasks. But I did make sure each room flowed, yet was unique as well. And I ordered all the new bedding.”
“This is incredible, April.”
“You really like it?”
He nodded. “You said you could transform the rooms, and you did it.”
“Thank you.” Her heart swelled from Risk’s praise.
“Is there anything else you want to show me?”
“No, I think we’ve seen everything.”
“So the business part of our day is over?”
“Y-yes, I suppose.”
“Good, because I’ve been dying to do this all day.” He tugged her into his arms, his hands wrapping smoothly around her waist as he lowered his mouth over hers and touched her lips. She felt his intensity even as he struggled to keep things tender and light. But with Risk, there didn’t seem to be a middle ground. He was too passionate a guy to hold back, and it was a big, big turn-on knowing he was so attracted to her.
She roped her arms around his neck and fell into the kiss. Parting her lips, she invited him in, and he swept through her mouth, causing heat to build and little sounds to emerge from deep in her throat. She could get lost in him and she warned herself to slow down, to not fall for him again. But she was scared silly it was too late.
When he ended the kiss first, both surprise and relief swamped her. He backed off, frowning as he glanced at his watch. “Shoot. We’ve got a long drive back to town, and I have an appointment at four today. If we don’t stop now, we may never get out of here.”
“You mean I would be stuck in here with you all day?” She batted her eyelashes.
“Yeah,” he said, scrubbing his jaw and eyeing her. “On second thought, screw the appointment. Where were we?” He made a move toward her, and she immediately backed off.
“Not so fast, Romeo. I have work waiting for me, too.”
“How about a late dinner then?”
“Sounds...perfect.”
* * *
The next morning, April sat at her desk, going over the books quietly, disappointed she hadn’t seen Risk last night. He’d sent her a text apologizing for his meeting going longer than he’d anticipated. The apology went a long way in making her feel better about her relationship with him, whatever that was.
Yet she was worried that Risk wasn’t overly impressed with the lodge. She’d done all she could possibly do to make the place appealing. He’d been pretty quiet about it, praising her work but not really committing to the sale in any way. The little devil in her head thought he was stringing her along, but she refused to believe it.
Ten minutes later, she wasn’t so sure of anything when Shannon Wilkes walked into the agency, a big satisfied grin on her face. “Hello, April. Hope it’s okay that I’m here?”
April craned her neck to check outside the front window. “Did you bring your entourage?” Meaning, did she alert the press she was coming here?
“Gosh, I hope not. I have good news to share with you.”
The best news would be she was leaving town. “What’s that?”
“I went to see the Russos and made another offer on the house.”
“You did what?” April wanted to jump out of her seat.
“I offered Tony Russo more money, and he said he couldn’t afford not to take it. Anyway, looks like you and I are going to be neighbors.”
> “Shannon, you can’t do that.”
“Why not? It’s not as if you had his listing or anything. He’s agreed to sell me his house, and of course, I’ll let you do the transaction. An easy commission for you.”
“That’s not how it’s usually done.”
“Yes, but we’ll make it work, won’t we?” Shannon flipped her long auburn hair to one side and gave her a sugary smile.
She had nerve. Barging into April’s life like this, plotting to steal away her fiancé, fake as he was. “I’m gonna have to think about it, Shannon.”
“Don’t think too long. You need this sale. Last night when I spoke with Risk, he didn’t sound like he was going to buy the lodge for the company. He made it seem—”
“You spoke with him last night?” When he was too busy to call her, too busy to have dinner with her? And he’d confided in Shannon about the lodge when he hadn’t given April the courtesy of his answer.
“Yes, yes, I did. I’m in negotiations for a new project, and I needed Risk’s advice.”
“What does Risk know about making movies?” she asked casually while her stomach knotted up.
“Not much, but he knows me. He’s the one who said I should slow down, take time for myself. He’s been a good friend since my mama passed.”
She could almost feel sorry for Shannon. Almost.
April glanced at her watch. “Shannon, I’m afraid I have an appointment with a potential client. Maybe we can speak about this later.” Much later.
Shannon gave her a smug smile. “Of course. I’ll be going. But please don’t wait too long. I’m anxious to become Boone Springs’ newest resident.”
April forced a smile and watched the superstar leave, striding down the street like a princess.
While April felt anything but.
* * *
Ten minutes later, April stood at the reception desk at Boone Inc. “I’m April Adams. I’m here to see my fiancé, Risk Boone,” she told the receptionist.
The woman came right to attention. “Of course, Miss Adams. Let me check if he’s available.” She picked up the phone.
Stranded and Seduced Page 14
